Boston, MA – Hidden Costs for Moving

Whether you are moving because you just sold your Boston, MA home or you would like to move to Boston, MA there are several things to consider regarding your move. Some of the costs may seem obvious but there are some other not-so-obvious costs with moving to a new neighborhood. Before you move, weigh the following costs as some may fall heavily on your monthly budget.

Transportation. After housing, transportation is the second biggest expense for most households. Costs can be high whether you drive your own car or use public transportation. Consider how you will commute to and from work and other obligations and figure that into your monthly budget. Financial experts urge homeowners to keep their housing and transportation below 45 percent of their income.

The commute beyond work. Many home-buyers opt to buy further out from city centers to be able to afford more home for their money. In the long term, this savings may not materialize to much. Not only may you need to commute further for work but also daily errands, schools, and medial offices may be further from your home too. Consider the compactness of your future Boston, MA neighborhood and how far you would need to travel to reach these daily necessities. 
 
Insurance and utilities. Home-buyers should contact their insurance agent to receive new quotes for the cost of car insurance and homeowners insurance in the new city. You may find your monthly insurance could go up significantly depending on where you plan to move to. Cost for utilities also needs to be considered. If you can, ask the home-sellers for a copy of their recent utility bills. It will give you a good idea what your utility bills will be compared to your current living situation. If you are purchasing more square footage you may find your heating and cooling expenses will go up significantly. 
 

Buying a home in Boston, MA is one of the most exciting milestones you’ll reach during your lifetime. Before you start scouring the Internet in search of your new pad, be sure to keep in mind the three important items above. And when you are ready please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – Summer Festivals 2015

The weather might not feel like summer just yet, but, I promise – summer is just around the corner! Boston, MA is known for incredible summer weather. I can't think of a better way to enjoy the weather then to get out around Boston and enjoy one of the many festivals. It's the perfect reason to get together and celebrate our city, to eat, dance, or appreciate local culture and art. Boston, MA has several summer festivals, too many to mention them all, here are a few of the top picks for 2015.

Boston Calling. Done twice a year, Boston Calling is a music festival done up right at City Hall Plaza in Boston. This year's summer fest takes place this weekend from Friday, May 2^2nd – Sunday, May 24^th. Located on two different stages with various artists, this years headliners are the Pixies, My Morning Jacket, and Beck.

Boston Pride. The Boston Pride Parade heads through Boston every year so supporters of the LBGT community can come out to spread awareness of rights and to just have a great time. At the end of the parade there is a festival and concert at City Hall Plaza. All ages are welcome and there are family-friendly areas for parents and kids as well as fun for the 21+ crowd. June 13^th at 12pm.

Boston Harborfest. The Boston Harborfest is a Fourth of July Festival that showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution: The Historic City of Boston. Harborfest will run July 1^st through July 5^th.

If you are traveling into Boston, MA this summer to partake in some festivals and are interested in learning more about what this great city has to offer please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent.

Without the guidance of a local expert, it can be tricky to cover all of the city's vibrant neighborhoods! As a Boston real estate agent, my services extend beyond helping buyers and sellers through their transactions. I thoroughly enjoy getting prospective residents familiar with their surroundings and exposing them to the best of everything Boston, MA has to offer.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – Summer Home Sale

Since the Boston, MA spring market is already in full swing, many soon-to-be home sellers are looking forward to the next selling season – summer. The summer selling season is beginning to look like it will be a hot one. Existing home sales are at their highest levels since 2013 and should accelerate even more as families with kids look to buy and/or sell before school starts back up. If you are one of the families gearing up to sell here are some tips to get your home ready for a summer sale:

Dress for the Season. Take advantage of that sunny weather and keep your patio clean and festive. Add some fresh flowers, décor, or hanging lights. Don’t forget the front entry way – add some colorful potted annuals and a cheery doormat. Inside it would be best to remove any heavy drapery or window treatments to let all that gorgeous Boston sun in.

Make Those Repairs. You may not notice the leaky faucet or the cracked floor tile anymore, but, it is guaranteed that your prospective buyers will. Repair those things now, in spring, so that you will be ready come summertime to list your Boston, MA home. 
 
Clean. Yes, of course you must clean inside, but, don’t neglect the outside. Your driveway, patio, deck, and exterior siding/brick need cleaning too. If you don’t want to tackle the job yourself you can hire professionals to clean just about any exterior surface. Or, if you have the time and patience you can rent a power sprayer and do the job yourself.
For not much time and money you can really update the curb appeal to your home. Use this summer season to your advantage to really let your home shine past the rest of the homes in the neighborhood. When it comes time to sell your Boston, MA home contact a Boston, MA real estate agent. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – Memorial Day 2015

The calendar start of summer doesn’t technically arrive until late June. But here in Boston, MA, Memorial Day signifies the unofficial start to the summer season and it’s coming up in a in a few weeks! After this long snowy winter, I am certainly ready for summer, as I'm sure you are too! This time of year, many locals take the opportunity to hit the road and travel to Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard. If you’re interested in buying a home in Boston, MA, this weekend would be a fantastic time to visit. Fewer crowds will make exploring the city stress-free. Here’s your roundup of Memorial Day activities to check out while you’re visiting us in Boston, MA.

Red Sox Game at Fenway Park

There’s nothing quite like taking a mouthwatering bite of a hotdog at the first Red Sox game of the summer season. Simply being in the vicinity of Fenway Park during a Red Sox game has a palpable energy you won’t find anywhere else. With so many diehard fans out of town for Memorial Day weekend, you may even be able to score a few tickets below face value. Buy your Red Sox tickets now for an unforgettable experience at Fenway Park for the Angels series, Memorial Day weekend, Friday – Sunday.

Visit the Military Heroes Garden of Flags on Boston Common

Once again, the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund has planted flags on Boston Common to honor the Massachusetts service members who have given their lives to defend the United States since the Civil War. This year, the organization planted 33,000 flags at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and they will be on display from May 20^th through sundown on May 25^th. This year also marks the 69^th Annual Memorial Day services to be held on Saturday May 23^rd, 11 am at the Veterans Memorial Park in Boston, MA's Fenway neighborhood.

Shop Memorial Day Sales in Boston

Memorial Day weekend is notorious for having some of the greatest sales of the year. Right now would be the perfect time to pick up some finishing touches for your Boston home if you’ve just moved in or are planning to sell in the near future. Prudential Center, Newbury Street and Copley Place are all top shopping destinations for Boston residents and visitors alike.

There is so much happening in Boston on Memorial Day weekend! While it’s certainly fun to find new ways to celebrate the unofficial start of summer, I encourage you to visit Boston Common and take a moment to remember the service members who have lost their lives for our country. If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in Boston, MA, this weekend is the perfect time to pay a visit and get a feel for what the city has to offer. Please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent before you arrive, I’d be thrilled to help you find your new home just in time for summer!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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